For the second consecutive day in the State Shield, Northern Districts won chasing a demanding total.

Yesterday it was 280 against Auckland, today 245 at the less batsman-friendly surface of Blake Park, Mt Maunganui against Central Districts.

The margin of victory was three wickets, achieved with 2.5 overs to spare.

The forty-first over of the ND innings settled the match. 15 came from it, 14 of them clubbed by Simon Doull, still one of the most effective hitters in the game. Though Doull was out before the end, his onslaught made the result a foregone conclusion.

Hamish Marshall's contribution was equally important. For the second day in a row he made a rapid, classy half century, 61 not out from 67 balls including eight fours. He batted with the authority that earned him a Test appearance in South Africa just over a year ago. His willingness to hit over the infield was particularly disruptive to the CD attack.

Despite the loss of James Marshall for a duck, the ND reply got off to a good start through the pinch hitting of Daniel Vettori, who relished a rare chance to show off his batting skills with a six well-struck fours in a 24-ball 30.

Matthew Hart maintained the momentum with an innings of 56 that rounded off an outstanding all-round day for him.

Last season CD won the one-day competition despite dire warnings from the sages that relying on an attack of five bowlers was too much of a risk. Today those warnings came belatedly true, with CD captain Glen Sulzberger not having enough options to turn to as he attempted to restrict the ND run rate.

Campbell Furlong's off spin was the most economical of the CD bowling with 1-39, while left-armer Lance Hamilton was the most penetrative with 4-41.

Earlier in the day, CD had built a higher-than-usual score for Blake Park without ever dominating the bowling.

They found it difficult to find the boundary with any regularity but kept the score moving, aware of the need to maintain momentum after posting an inadequate score in New Plymouth yesterday.

There were three half-century partnerships, but none developed into the innings-dominating stand that CD needed. Ben Smith top-scored with 66, his best innings in New Zealand one-day cricket.

ND captain Robbie Hart switched his seven bowlers around intelligently, never allowing the batsmen to settle and often presenting them with contrasting challenges from either end.

His masterstroke was the introduction of his brother Matthew, whose left-arm spin - which has earned him selection for New Zealand in the past - is now rarely seen. He bowled seven overs for 30 at a time when CD were trying to accelerate. His first four overs cost only nine runs.

More predictably, Vettori bowled well and looks more than ready to take on Australia and South Africa.

Scott Styris took one for 33 in another sustained piece of teasing accuracy. Another good all-round day for Styris culminated in his selection in the CLEAR Black Caps squad for the VB Series in Australia, news of which was brought to him as he joined in the team 'warm down' at close of play. The selection is well-merited with Styris performing at the top of his form and confidence with both bat and ball.

It was Doull, playing for ND for the first time this season, who looked most likely to take wickets among the quicker bowlers. He was unlucky not to asked to bowl more than four overs, but expressed himself forcefully with the bat later.

CD's next game, against Wellington on Saturday, has a 'must win' feel about it. The State Shield operates on a tight schedule, so there is little chance to put things right between games, but both the bowling and batting has to offer that bit more if CD are to be competitive.

ND visit Wellington on Sunday, feeling positive about their achievements and prospects. They are in second place in the table, a point behind leaders Canterbury.

© CricInfo